Kendal Rugby Union Football Club has confirmed nine further playing changes ahead of the 2026/27 season, including four re-signings and five new arrivals. The club has also appointed Abby Alexander and Dan Stephens to its board as preparations continue for the new campaign.
The update was published on Friday 14 August 2026. Kendal said it gave further detail about the players expected to feature in the squad, while warning that additional names would follow as the club finalises its squad information.
Four players commit to Kendal
The four players confirmed as re-signing are Andy Rogers, Joe Anderson, Dev Coyle and Dini Noyo. Rogers is recovering after an operation, and Kendal is aiming for him to return to the team in the New Year.
They join a group of 13 players already confirmed as returning: Aaron Stephens, Alfie Bradshaw, Barney Coxon, Ben Dixon, Ben O’Halloran, Dan Shorrock, Dane Blenkharn, Glenn Chesher, Luke Atkinson, Matty Houghton, Ollie Rose, Oscar Coxon and Patrick Wolstenholme.
Ben Dixon will lead the side as captain for a third season, providing continuity as the club reshapes its squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
New arrivals include former Kendal player
Among the five new signings is prop Finn Kennedy, who made 35 appearances for Carlisle over the past two seasons. Hooker Angus Knight is also joining Kendal after playing junior rugby for the club and for Kirkby Lonsdale.
Kendal’s update records rugby links involving Syston, Thanet Wanderers, Loughborough and Kirtstall in connection with Knight. It also makes clear that available records differ over parts of his recent playing history.
Front-row player Arran Sulivan, from Aspatria, is another addition. Zane Butler is returning to Kendal from New Zealand, bringing previous experience of playing for the club.
Butler made his Kendal debut in 2008/09 and has scored 36 tries in 92 appearances. His earlier spell included the promotion-winning 2015/16 side, although he missed the final match of that season after breaking his leg against Leigh.
Two board members join club leadership
The club has confirmed that Abby Alexander and Dan Stephens have joined the Kendal Rugby Union Football Club board. Their appointments come alongside the playing announcements as the organisation prepares for the new season.
Kendal has said further player names are expected to be announced as they filter through. For supporters following the club’s 2026/27 plans, the latest update therefore adds nine confirmed squad changes while leaving the final make-up of the team still to be completed.